online Softwares

Today I tried out the new (or at least new to me) Google Docs and Zoho online softwares. I have to say I really liked the idea of online softwares: Being able to edit documents and other media instantaneously with a group of people in various locations and being able to save it as various formats (therefore allowing it to be easily retrievable) is a great tool. Add to that the fact that it is free of charge, and you end up with tomorrow's view on homework, reports and collective projects!

Both of the online softwares I browsed through have a look very close to what one would expect from on a processing software (see images below).

Google Docs:

Zoho:






I looked quickly at both Zoho and Google Docs and I found Zoho more user friendly than Google Docs. It also appears that Zoho offers more software options and variety than Google. One of the tool Zoho offered that I really liked was the history search (which allows to retrieve the document at various stages of its creation and editing).

I found Google Docs' sharing option, though, easier to find and to use than the one offered on Zoho.

Overall, these online softwares have great possibilities. I believe I will be using them often.

Library 2.0

I believe Library 2.0 is a step forward. Communication in today's world is changing. So are research methods and interests. Library 2.0 will accomodate some of these changes and take into consideration the modern methods of both communications and the needs of the new library users.

The libraries as we know them, as a brick and mortar building at the heart of a community, will still be there and standing. People still need that physical approach and security to media and knowledge.

I view library 2.0 as a complement to the typical library use, not as a replacement. Library users still need the face to face contact with librarians and other library users, people still yearn for the library presence as a building and as a "scrapbook" to their community.

Libraries and Library 2.0 will allow a broader reach to members of the communities they served by offering what library users really need, either in the physical realm, and in the surreal realm that is offered online.

I believe that Library 2.0 as a supplement to today's libraries should be embraced with open arms since it will offer additional elements seeked by library users that the libraries of today cannot offer. They both will go hand in hand and enrich the library user's experience.

Rollyo and Google Custom Search

I went to both the KCLS Rollyo Search Roll and KCLS Google Custom Search sites. I have to say that I did not care for the Rollyo site. Too many commercials, for one, added to a confusing results display. The Google Custom Search site is user friendly and commercial free (that I can tell). The one thing I would have to criticize is that it resembles too closely the Google search engine and that could be confusing for people trying to compare results from searches in both.

To have access to my Rollio SearchRoll: http://rollyo.com/christel

To have access to my Google Custom Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=009583909171872587507:cdgixedkera

I type the following search in each search engines (recettes poires)

Same observations as above: too many commercials with Rollyo.

Also, I like the feature with Google Custom Search where you can opt out or opt in the commercial section of your search engine.

I can definitively see a use for these kind of sites. It would be great for limiting the amount of search results and sources used for school reports (for examples) - resulting in the use of approved sites only. It would also be very useful searching various library databases for media (an alternative to Inter Library Loans and access to a wider range of databases to search from).

Playing Around with some of the Generators

Me as a superhero:

Checking with NASA...Searching the sky for signs...Tossing electrons in the air...

Your Superhero Identity For Today Is:

Name: Green Flame
Secret Identity: Christel Dujardin Terry

Special Power: Freezing Hands
Transportation: Psionic Rollerblades
Weapon: X-Ray
CutlassCostume: Spandex
MaskSidekick: Gilligan
Nemesis: Eric the Elder
Tragic Flaw: Addicted to spinach
Favorite Food: Lasagna

Me as a Southpart Character:

As a Simpsons Character:

Wikis: An introduction

I looked at a couple of the suggested Wiki sites and I found them slightly boring. All except the Book Lovers Wiki which appeared to me as an excellent idea which could be promoted within our library system...

Wikis would allow online patron bookreviews to be posted to our website. A rating possibility along with a description of the pros and cons of a book, cd, dvd, etc... not only from our librarians, but also from our patrons would offer a broader perspective on the material and offer a community-based relation to build among patrons and their libraries.

Wikis could also be used as a database source. Wikipedia is a very good source of information, even though, as any other form of information, there are some comments and/or entries that can appear inaccurate... Wikipedia allows sharing of ideas and observations, which is the first step to creating one's own opinion and broaden one's understanding of the world that surrounds us... I believe we could create a discussion forum for our patrons regarding community events, tips, recommendations, etc... as well as maybe an alternate source of information for study help. This could go far.

Anyhow, I am going to stop chatting. I believe wikis are a good source of communication, sharing of information and ideas, as well as a powerful learning tool. Contents (which is often the issue brought up against wikis) can be controlled further and confirmed by experts to insure information accuracy. Overall, I believe that wikis are a tool that should be explored and encouraged in libraries.